Official game facts
VERIFIED OFFICIAL FACTS
Purification unlocks the item, not its found rarity
Purifying an item permanently adds that item to the Collection at Common quality, regardless of the quality discovered during the run. A Rare find therefore becomes a permanent Common version after purification; the item identity survived, but the temporary quality did not.
This is the central distinction behind the apparent rarity mismatch in the Collection. It is intended progression according to Team Metal's September 2 clarification.
VERIFIED OFFICIAL FACTS
Gajov raises the permanent minimum
Gajov upgrades the permanent item and raises its minimum quality everywhere. If a weapon is upgraded to Uncommon, later copies of that weapon should appear at Uncommon or higher whether selected from the Loadout or found as enemy or chest loot.
- Found quality: strength of the current discovery
- Purification: permanent unlock at Common
- Gajov upgrade: permanent increase to minimum quality
- Future loadout copy: never below the upgraded minimum
- Future loot copy: also respects that minimum
VERIFIED OFFICIAL FACTS
A practical upgrade decision
Purify for breadth when the Collection lacks dependable options; upgrade through Gajov for depth when a weapon repeatedly supports successful runs. The best investment is not automatically the highest rarity found once—it is the item whose permanent minimum will improve multiple future loadouts.
- Keep one reliable weapon path upgraded
- Record which items are only found versus purified
- Compare upgrade cost against how often the item is used
- Do not rank two weapons using temporary rarity alone
VERIFIED OFFICIAL FACTS
How to audit an apparent rarity bug
- Confirm the item was purified after a successful hunt
- Compare the found quality with the permanent Collection quality
- Check the item's current Gajov upgrade floor
- Start a later run and verify the loadout copy does not fall below that floor
- Report only behavior that contradicts the documented floor
Related verified guides
Recommended path
CONNECTED INTELLIGENCE PATH
Follow the evidence network
How we verify this guide
Our editors prioritize official storefronts and first-party patch notes. Community discoveries do not become confirmed facts without independent verification.
Sources
- Official gear, purification and upgrade clarification ↗
- Official Crimson Moon build systems explainer ↗
- Official Crimson Moon Steam listing ↗
Facts checked September 7, 2026. Review percentages and prices are time-sensitive snapshots, never editorial scores.
Frequently asked questions
Why did my Rare item become Common?+
Purification permanently unlocks the item at Common quality regardless of the quality found during the run.
How do I permanently raise gear quality?+
Upgrade the item through Gajov; this raises its minimum quality for loadouts and future loot appearances.
Can upgraded gear drop below its permanent minimum?+
The developer says no. An item upgraded to Uncommon should appear at Uncommon or higher in future runs.